Girona v Barcelona match could take place in United States

Barcelona, Girona and LaLiga are looking for permission from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to stage a regular-season match between the two Catalan clubs in the United States.

The announcement of LaLiga’s intention to stage top-flight games in North America – after agreeing a 15-year deal with US media company Relevent – caused outrage among some players last month.

But it seems the fixture in question, currently scheduled for January 27 at Girona’s Estadi Montilivi, has moved a step closer to being played in the US.

Lionel Messi could feature if Girona play Barcelona in the United States (Nick Potts/PA)

“.@FCBarcelona, @GironaFC & #LaLiga seek permission from the RFEF to stage match in the US,” a tweet from LaLiga’s official Twitter read.

Girona last week revealed they were “working with the league and Barcelona” but there was “no official confirmation that the game will be played in Miami”.

Last month, the Spanish players’ union (AFE) held a meeting with a host of top stars, including Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, and afterwards said it was unanimously against a proposal to place games outside of Spain.